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04 April 2025 | Story Precious Shamase | Photo Supplied
Ennie Mkotywa
Ennie Mkotywa celebrates her graduation at UFS Qwaqwa Campus, marking a triumph of resilience, passion, and lifelong learning.

Ennie Mkotywa walked across the stage in the iconic Mandela Hall this morning, Friday 4 April, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Honours) specialising in English. This is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the transformative potential of education. Working as an assistant officer in the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL), Ennie's story is one of balancing professional responsibilities with academic aspirations – a journey that has culminated in a remarkable achievement.

 

Passion ignited

Mkotywa’s love for literature began in high school, blossoming during her undergraduate studies where she excelled in literary analysis. "I've always been passionate about reading books and poetry," she recalls. "During my undergraduate studies, I discovered that I was good at analysing literature, which led me to become a tutor." However, financial constraints initially delayed her pursuit of an honours. It was her appointment at CTL that reignited her dream, as she discovered the study benefits available to staff.

 

Balancing act and triumph

The journey was far from easy. "The most challenging part was balancing work, studies, and personal life," Ennie admits. "Juggling work deadlines with academic responsibilities was incredibly difficult." Working in a student-facing role, finding time for study was a constant challenge, requiring her to dedicate evenings to her coursework. Yet, the rewards were profound. "The most rewarding aspect was submitting my research and passing. Receiving my results was one of the happiest moments of my life."

 

Inspiration and mentorship

Ennie credits Dr Nonki Motahane from the Department of English as a significant source of inspiration. "Dr Motahane's journey resonates deeply with me," she says. "Witnessing her growth from a master's candidate to a PhD holder has been incredibly motivating." This mentorship fuelled Ennie's own academic aspirations, demonstrating the power of role models within the UFS Qwaqwa community.

 

Decolonial analysis and insight

For her honours research, Ennie focused on a decolonial literary analysis of Yewande Omotoso's Bom Boy (2011). Her dissertation, ‘Images of a Democratic South Africa: A Decolonial Analysis of Yewande Omotoso’s Bom Boy (2011)’, explored the contradictions within South Africa's post-apartheid ‘rainbow nation’ agenda. "My research portrays the enduring racial and socioeconomic inequalities in post-apartheid South Africa," Ennie explains. Her analysis highlighted the persistent colonial structures and the failure to achieve true equality and inclusivity.

 

Transformative impact and future aspirations

Ennie's studies have had a profound impact on her perspective, particularly regarding the #FeesMustFall movement. "Researching for my honours allowed me to understand the movement’s significance and the concept of decoloniality," she shares. Her enhanced English skills will benefit her work at the Write Site, supporting students with academic writing, and align with Vision 130's goal of increasing research output.

Looking ahead, Ennie plans to pursue a master’s degree and a PhD, aiming to deepen her expertise and expand her career opportunities.

 

A message of lifelong learning

Ennie's advice to fellow UFS Qwaqwa Campus staff is to embrace lifelong learning. "Pursuing further education is a powerful way to enhance your professional and personal growth," she says. "Take advantage of the resources and support systems available at the UFS, and don’t be afraid to reach out for help."

 

Community and support

Ennie emphasises the strong sense of community on the UFS Qwaqwa Campus. "The Department of English, my supervisor Dr Peter Moopi, and my colleagues were incredibly supportive," she notes. "The library services and the shared experiences with fellow students were invaluable." She also recounts a story of a librarian remembering her when she was waiting for a book from Bloemfontein, and how that personal touch meant a lot.

 

Resilience and triumph

Even when faced with challenges, such as a difficult lecturer, she persevered. "Looking back, I realise that such experiences are the ones that build resilience," she reflects.

Mkotywa’s graduation is not just a personal achievement; it is a testament to the supportive environment on the UFS Qwaqwa Campus and the transformative power of education. Her story serves as an inspiration to the entire university community, proving that with dedication and support, any goal is achievable.

As a parting shot: "Remember that the process may sometimes be difficult, but the results are transformative. Stay focused on your goals and trust in the value of the journey, because the experience of learning is just as important as the final achievement." – Ennie Mkotywa.

News Archive

Democracy and political tolerance truly thrive during Qwaqwa Campus SRC elections
2016-09-16

Description: 2017 SR Qwaqwa  Tags: 2017 SR Qwaqwa

The newly-elected SRC President of the Qwaqwa
Campus, Njabulo Mwali (left), being congratulated
by his predecessor, Paseka Sikhosana.
Ph
oto: Thabiso Gamede

Voter turnout during the recent SRC elections among the best in the country at over 60%

The 2016-2017 Qwaqwa Campus SRC elections have once again proven that democracy and political tolerance are truly thriving on the Qwaqwa Campus. This was evidenced by the calm surrounding the highly contested elections ever.

According to Mandla Ndlangamandla, Electoral Committee Chairperson, this year’s elections were highly contentious, yet with a high level of tolerance.

"We only had two political structures, namely the South African Democratic Student Movement (Sadesmo) and the South African Student Congress (Sasco), but the level of engagement was really commendable,” he said.

“Of the 4 200 registered students on campus, more than 2 500 cast their votes in their quest to influence student leadership and governance to advance student aspirations," said Ndlangamandla during the handover ceremony.

In accepting the leadership baton from his predecessor, Paseka Sikhosana, the new President, Njabulo Mwali, said his immediate goal was to unite all students behind the new leadership.

In acknowledging the role student governance can play in developing the campus, the Acting Campus Principal, Teboho Manchu, said the campus was proud to have a student leadership that would always keep the interests of their constituency on top of their agenda.

“We will definitely work hand-in-hand with the new student government. In case of any disagreements, please note that you have the right to take up any such matters with the top management of the university in order to advance the entire student body,” he added.

The 2016-2017 Qwaqwa Campus SRC is as follows:

LIST OF SRC MEMBERS 2016-2017

Elective Portfolios

 

Name and Surname

Portfolio

Njabulo Mwali

President General

Siyabonga Ngubo

Deputy President

Joy Mapule Motloung

Secretary General

Bongela Nyandeni

Treasurer General

Mpumelelo Tshabalala

Politics and Transformation

Nomcebo Mqushulu

Media and Publicity

Ntokozo Michael Masiteng

Student Development and Environmental Affairs

   

Ex Officio Portfolios

 

Khulani Mhlongo

Arts and Culture

Polaki Mazibuko

Academic Affairs

Ntokozo Mbali Thango

Sports Affairs

Motlatsi Lisley Lebona

Religious Affairs

Sandile Ntamane

Residence Affairs

Itumeleng Chefter

RAG Comm. and Dialogue

Thulebona Thomas Khumalo

Off-campus

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